The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aims to help its participants build independent lives, and one of the most effective ways to increase independence is occupational therapy. Occupational therapists are allied health professionals who are responsible for helping people complete their day-to-day tasks as independently as possible. The basic routine tasks include eating, showering, meal preparation, dressing, driving, etc. If someone finds it difficult to perform these activities without help, occupational therapy can help them become independent enough to perform them. NDIS occupational therapy is as important for the participant as any other support funded under NDIS. Here are some of the benefits of NDIS occupational therapy.
Improves Independence
The biggest reason the NDIS funds occupational therapy is that it helps the participants become more independent. NDIS is a support program that aims to make its participants independent and reduce the amount of support they need. Occupational therapy allows them to achieve their goals.
Improves Strength
Surgeries and injuries can weaken the body, and the participants might be unable to perform their routine tasks because of it. Occupational therapists help the participants in gaining their strength back and improve their range of motion. They get to move more, and it enhances their ability to move on their own.
Improves Tolerance
Being able to perform the tasks that the participants couldn’t do earlier can be time-taking and frustrating at times. No one can get better immediately; to make the therapy work, the participants must be patient with the process. It helps in increasing tolerance and endurance for their situation so they can stay calm until they get better.
Reduces Pain
If one muscle is weak, the others might become too tight, and it causes pain to the human body. Regular movement can help your body stay in motion, so no muscle feels weak. Body positioning also plays a vital role in reducing the pain in the body, and occupational therapy helps you keep your body positioning in check.
Develop Adaptive Strategies
Having someone else help you with the daily tasks all the time is not ideal, and neither is it beneficial for the participants. Occupational therapists help you develop strategies that you can follow when no one is around and perform your activities without any help. It is the most effective way to improve independence in the participants.
Home Safety Assessment
Occupational therapists are also responsible for ensuring safety within the participant’s house. They can visit the house and check if there is anything that can hurt the participant or come in the way while he tries to perform his daily activities. It is to make sure that the home is safe and does not need any modifications. If any house needs changes, NDIS also provides funds for home modifications that help the participants make their homes an even safer place to stay at.
Improved Visual Skills
There can be changes in the participant’s vision; in that case, he might face several issues in regular functioning. Occupational therapists help such participants in developing strategies that can improve their visual skills.
Caregiver Training
It can be highly overwhelming and tiring to look after someone with special needs, and caregivers can be worn out. Occupational therapists also train the caregivers to help them stay calm and serve the participants more actively. This is not only beneficial for the participant, but the caregiver can also become better at his job. If the caregiver is a family member or friend, he will have even more reasons to get this training so he can help his loved ones in a better way.
If you are looking for NDIS occupational therapy, contact EnableU and let their experienced support workers help you get the best occupational therapist according to your needs.
